Why Japan should stay out of US-led Hormuz coalition

Tokyo can leverage its ties with Tehran to foster talks between Iran and US

20190828 Iran Persian Gulf Tensions

An oil tanker is on fire in the sea of Oman on June 13. The U.S. is calling onto nations to join a coalition to monitor the strategic Strait of Hormuz. © AP

HIROYUKI AKITA, Nikkei commentator

TOKYO -- The U.S. is calling on its allies to work together to protect ships from Iranian threats in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.K., Bahrain and Australia have already decided to join the coalition, while South Korea is considering taking part. The issue is likely to come up when world leaders meet at the U.N. General Assembly in late September.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has huddled with officials several times this summer to discuss pros and cons of joining the coalition, but has yet to make a final decision.

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